A Complete Guide To MIDA Investor Pass Applications
A MIDA Investor Pass is an extended multiple entry visa for foreign investors who will be flying in and out of Malaysia over a long period to:
- oversee existing operations
- hold negotiations for planned ventures, or
- survey the country for investment viability
Compared to the usual MEV which only lasts three months and requires exiting and re-entering for renewal, the Investor Pass grants up to 12 months of uninterrupted access into Malaysia,
For investors who want to handle their own application our guide explains all you need to know.
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- government agencies involved
- prohibited business activities
- general requirements
- requirements for each type of investor
- fees and timelines
- application steps, and
- an offer to let us handle it for you 🙂
Let’s begin.
Agencies involved
The requirements, guidelines, and fees of the MIDA Investor Pass are set by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), which also issues the letter of support needed for final approval.
However, several other agencies play a role or otherwise influence the issuance of the visa:
- Expatriate Services Division: Issues final approval
- Royal Malaysia Police: Provides Security Clearance stating no criminal record
- Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDN): Maintains list of restricted industries
- Malaysian Embassies / High Commissions: Provide confirmation documents and Certified True Copies for documents translated into English
In fact, the first thing we’d like to cover is the list of restricted business activities by KPDN!
Prohibited business activities
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) maintains a list of businesses restricted from foreign ownership that cannot be used to qualify for an Investor Pass.
As of December 2025, it consists of:
- supermarkets / mini markets
- provision shops / general vendors
- news agents
- miscellaneous goods stores
- medical halls
- petrol stations
- permanent wet market stores
- permanent pavement stores
- non-exclusive textile, F&B, and jewellery shops, and
- activities related to National Strategic Interest
Note: These ventures are not restricted from foreign involvement, and are still investable with a local partner if willing to share ownership.
General requirements
Regardless of investment stage, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
- at least 18 years old
- no criminal record
- employed by a company in their home country
- holds key roles such as owner, director, or senior manager
- passport valid for at least 12 months
- not currently holding a long-term visa from the Malaysian Immigration, and
- not listed on the Immigration Department’s Suspect List or Blacklist (SLBL)
- be outside Malaysia at time of application
In addition, MIDA recognises three types of investors and sets additional conditions for each.
New investors
Potential investors who have no investment record in Malaysia.
Required documents:
- official invitation document from ministry / government agency (if applicable)
- copy of passport with at least 12 months validity, and
- certificate of incorporation of parent company
Investors in the pipeline
Investors who are in negotiations with the Malaysian government or have submitted project approval applications to MIDA.
Required documents:
- official invitation document from ministry / government agency (if applicable)
- confirmation letter from MIDA regional offices / Malaysian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General (if applicable)
- copy of passport with at least 12 months validity, and
- certificate of incorporation of parent company
- latest Audited Financial Statement of parent company
Existing investors
Investors with ownership of SSM-registered companies in Malaysia’s manufacturing and selected services sectors.
Required documents:
- official invitation document from ministry / government agency (if applicable)
- copy of passport with at least 12 months validity
Fees and timelines
Assuming you handle your own Investor Pass application, obtaining the initial MIDA support letter is free, though from there, two main fees apply:
- RM1,296 non-refundable processing fee when submitting an application
- RM590 endorsement fee upon application approval
Uninterrupted, an average application takes ~10 working days from submission to final approval, though this can take longer depending on number of active cases.
Application steps
The application is done online via the Xpats Gateway portal while the applicant is overseas, and throughout the process, applicants can keep track of their application online.
| Step | Details / Notes |
|
1. Applicant Submission ~7+ days before departure |
|
|
2. MIDA Approval ~3 working days |
|
|
3. Submit Endorsement Application ~1 working day |
|
| 4. Receive Final Endorsement |
|
Once approved, the pass is valid for six months.
Six month extension
To extend an Investor Pass for another six months, submit a MIDA support letter application at least 30 days before expiry via the Xpats Gateway System.
The visa can only be extended once, and investors who want to remain in Malaysia beyond this point should either apply for a new one or explore other options.
Limitations
As an investor pass, this visa comes with fairly predictable limitations:
- cannot be used to secure employment in Malaysia
- dependents are not allowed
- doesn’t apply to East Malaysia
For single-minded investors this shouldn’t matter, but those who want to explore more versatile options can check out our list of 13 long term visa options in Malaysia.
That’s all from us, and we wish you a smooth application!
Let MISHU help with your MIDA Investor Pass application
Directly and through our partners, MISHU has been helping expatriates secure long-term visas for their stay in Malaysia for many years, and we would be delighted to hear how we can help you.